Patrick Peterson plans on being the game’s best
Jul 31, 2012, 12:21 AM | Updated: 1:43 am
Patrick Peterson is not lacking for confidence.
The second-year pro is coming off a rookie season where he
reached the Pro Bowl as a kick returner, but is expected
to become one of the NFL’s best cover-corners.
He thinks he’s getting there.
“I’m definitely taking strides towards being the best
cornerback each and every day,” he said after practice
Monday. “I’m working with one of the best — if not the
best guy in the game — in Larry Fitzgerald, he’s pushing
me and I’m pushing him.
“I want to help him stay on top and I want to help him get
me to the top.”
The exciting thing about Peterson is that while he’s not
near the top, most agree he has enough potential to get
there.
At 6-foot-1 and 219-pounds, Peterson has excellent size
for the cornerback position, and his speed is virtually
unmatched. So, if talking about becoming the best comes
off as a bit cocky, know that he just wants to be as good
as he can be.
The 22-year-old knows he’s got work to do.
Peterson admitted he’s not the best — yet — saying Jets
star Darrell Revis is number one. However, he put himself
just behind the Pro Bowler, and is waiting for the day
when everyone else thinks he belongs in that class.
“When I start getting recognition on ESPN and by [the
media], and getting respect from the opposing teams,” he
said of what the signs will be. “Start getting
interceptions, being a Pro Bowl cornerback.
“All those great accolades that shutdown corners get.”
The Cardinals would certainly be fine with that, as the
NFL has become a passing league and having quality corners
is as much a necessity as it is a luxury. Having someone
who can virtually wipe out an opposing team’s star
wideout? Yes please.
Peterson finished his rookie season with 62 tackles and
two interceptions, numbers that must be improved on if he
is to really be considered an elite corner.
That’s precisely what he wants.
“At the end of the day, to play this position you want to
be the best,” he said. “You don’t want to settle for
second, you don’t want to settle for third. At the end of
the day I want to try to be the best cornerback in the
game.”
Arizona Sports’ Kyndra de St. Aubin contributed to this
report
